After nine consecutive losses the heat was well and truly on Neale Daniher. Dermott Brereton, writing in the the Age, said that a loss could have meant Daniher wouldn't coach Melbourne in 2004.

During the third quarter, with the Saints leading by 17 points, Matt Maguire was penalised for thumping the ball out of bounds from a throw-in. Travis Johnstone converted to cut the margin to 11. They then kicked more six in a row to end the quarter 41 points in front.